Incredible Deal: Mechanic Scored a REALLY Cheap 2002 Xterra

[@CJL2022]

I used to swear these type of deals were fake or would never happen to me, until 1 month ago. A 2012 Prius C 143,000 miles every thing works including A/C. Fell into my lap. Hybrid battery was replaced 2 years ago (10 year life span) Prius C's use the 1.5 engine, so no head gasket or EGR issues. Only thing wrong was a dented up drivers door. Brought for $1000, I'm so happy and blessed for this deal!!

[@briankalagher6687]

Awesome deal! I think those batteries cost 5 times what you paid. congrats. Carcarenut has an awesome youtube for Toyotas. I've never owned a Hybrid but he has videos talking about the vents for the battery being a big deal to keep clean. Seems like you can just take a minute or 2 every 6 months and it will help your super expensive battery last longer.

[@tylerhopkins7080]

i occasionally see a legitimate deal on fb like that and they are usually gone within hours. you gotta be quick and on there all the time to catch one but it happens. sometimes a person just wants to dump a car.

[@lsh3rd]

Screaming deal, you wouldn’t touch this car where I am for under $3k.

[@Geotpf]

Great deal, especially with the hybrid battery being replaced.

[@jimbike8064]

You should return some money to the prior owner. That's a steal.

[@davidepicca8813]

As a current Nissan/Infiniti mechanic for over thirty years, that rear oil leak is usually never the rear main seal …. It’s the half moon seal on the engine oil pan, I would start by resealing the engine oil pan and replacing both front and rear half moon seals first. Also the exhaust manifolds were a weak point on these models, but at 230k they most have certainly been replaced …. And don’t forget to check that timing belt and water pump ! Thanks ! Great video again !!

[@Grainsauce]

I agree, I would love to find out if that was his issue here!

[@kellyross5357]

I just bought a 2005 Nissan x-trail with a 2.5. 5 speed manual. 380,000 KM as I’m in Canada. What do you think about those??

[@davidepicca8813]

Those things are tanks !! Hence the 380,000 kms, The things to watch out for is the catalytic after the exhaust manifold likes to trip the engine light, door latches freezing in the winter and wheel bearings, if you gotta do the rear, and parts are seized , good luck ! But at that mileage, they have already been done, hope that the mechanic put anti seize on all the nuts and bolts ! Oh and the rust on the rear quarter panels, front fenders are plastic, so no worry there ! 😂😂

[@rexburg22re]

100% agree with this. My daughter and I just resealed the oil pan on (soon to be) her 2000 Xterra.

[@Grainsauce]

@@rexburg22re Yep! I believe my 132k mileage 04 Fromtier has started doing this.

[@bdpopeye]

This was built when Nissan still made reliable vehicles. My son leased one of these back in 2000 when he was still in the US Navy. It was a great car. His was "school bus" yellow. Made it easy to spot in the parking lot. Thanks for posting. Love your content!

[@kuebby]

I wanted one of those so bad when I was a kid. Something about the door handle being up the side in the back just seemed so cool.

[@ryanyancey7412]

I have one. The engine oil leak is actually the rear pan gasket. It leaks right below the rear main seal. You just pull the pan and reseal the pan.

[@GrimesGarage]

This was my thought as well. Something relatively easy to do first before pulling the trans. The front of the pan is also leaking a bit

[@fatjaysgarage]

I recently bought a wrecked Honda fit for 950$ replaced all the damaged panels for 500$.. it runs and drives great

[@bakgammon]

Lucky

[@Amac1825]

Nice pic

[@Chuck59ish]

Never knew a mechanic, even in the military who drove a new car, they always had a good used car that they could work on themselves or with a buddy.

[@cpear760]

I get that. Having something new is no fun.

[@lancairw867]

I never knew a mechanic with good car taste

[@rdpeach]

Usually in the military it's soldiers who just finished basic and have some money they arent used to

[@Chuck59ish]

@@rdpeach I can remember back in the 70s to 90s when I was, when they got their Corporal hooks they're go out and buy, if they were single, a Mustang, Camaro or a Firebird, some would by a Challenger too. In Germany it was mostly BMWS.

[@mentals555]

​@@Chuck59ishsome things never change. In Germany everyone was buying GTIs or BMWs. Everyone was upside down in their loans too. Classic

[@_silversoul_8641]

Always thought deals like this were unreal until last week. Neighbor had an old LS400 with 310K miles for $800. All it needed was a new battery. Still runs and drives. Cold AC. Needs a little work cosmetically. But definitely happy with my purchase so far!

[@theeasternfront6436]

Thats a good rig!

[@TheYellowsvt98]

I bought a manual transmission 2004 Xterra for $500 because it would crank but wouldn’t start. Took me about 15 minutes to get it running. As it turned out, the screw that held the rotor in place had fallen out. Adjusted the rotor back to where it was supposed to be, put that screw back in and it fired right up. It’s been running well since.

[@mr.grotto]

10 years ago when I owned my 2002 xterra we let it go because of a bad head gasket. Now I'm 37 years old and I'm confident I could pull that engine and replace it. It's crazy what you can learn from KZbin and channels like this. Fixing things yourself, the confidence you build and money you save, both are indispensable.

[@aaronjust5862]

My 2008 Xterra did the same

[@BradMills-l4x]

Have a 04 with 140k on it and only work I have ever done is head gasket. Perfect besides that

[@michaeljakob4764]

I got exactly the same truck. 2002 . V 6 engine. 3.3 ....it has a turbo....129.000 miles. Live in the Dominican republic....it's a very reliable and strong Jeep. Love it.

[@michaelktm6061]

The 3.3 L Nissan engine is bulletproof is you change the timing at 90K or ten years and change the oil they will go 400k +. Also Nissan AC has always been great and have required little service.

[@dandiegidio7729]

My girlfriend has one and oddly enough, the ac has a leak and won't work.

[@mooreracer]

The AC hoses suck. I've owned my 2000 Frontier V6 M/T since new. Has 180K now. I've put 4 discharge hoses on the truck, and 2 suction hoses. They leak at the crimps after about 40K miles. Not a big deal for me as a 30+ year Honda tech, but Nissan replacement parts seem pretty low quality. Tempted to go aftermarket, but I've heard that most don't fit right. The truck has been great overall, so pretty minor complaints.

[@Munakas-wq3gp]

I wouldn't buy that car for 10 dollars though. It's fugly and I've driven in one that's enough to tell me it's horrible. Engine is very noisy in acceleration (or lack of) and the suspension is jolty, the car wiggles even on hard gear changes (the car we drove in was 1 year old). The guy who owned the car had plenty of money and I kept on wondering what on earth went in his mind to make this car choice. He could have got a G-wagen or a Range Rover. And yes, no need to tell me the RR is a money pit, he could have afforded it...

[@sr20ser.]

@@Munakas-wq3gp Well, that is odd. My 03 has 335xxx hard driven miles from the oil fields of Canada, to the outer banks. The most I have done is basic maintenance. The only actual issue I've seen is rust and knock sensor location with these.

[@hotshtsr20]

@@Munakas-wq3gpWe had one for 100k miles. Dad has a same model year Frontier with 300k miles. None of the issues you’re talking about. Compared to a G Wagen? Yeah. Not as nice. But a 300k mile G Wagen doesn’t exist. 😂

[@bernitup6492]

Nice score... feels good when it happens to you. It happened to me almost 10 yrs ago with a '07 HHR with 140k miles and meticulously maintained for $1k. Still have it and will be going through it to give it to my daughter for her to go to work and school.

[@Trex6767]

I bought a Corolla from a small town, back woods mechanic shop. They swore up and down it needed all sorts of parts to fix the engine and the customer couldn’t afford it. So being a Toyota master tech I brought my laptop with me and it had a cam/crank correlation code. The intake cam was off a tooth cuz the shop broke the tensioner. So I took the cover off, corrected the timing, and replaced the tensioner. It’s been running good ever since.

[@jtenn73]

The best part is that it doesn't have the nissan cvt

[@deplorablelibertarian]

Nissan would have a good CVT if it wasn't made by flippin JATCO.

[@lightsfansofthewest481]

None of their trucks ever came with one.

[@rainier601]

Man my old man, his best friend, bought a 2003 Frontier new. Same engine and drivetrain. It's a Crew Cab, 4x4, in silver. And Stick shift. He has used that thing for daily driving (and his job required long distances), hauling stuff, cause he has a small farm, and also off roading cause to get to the farm you have to crawl up it on 4LO. He visited my dad one time, last time I was back home about almost 4 years ago, and the truck sounded smooth, and I brought it up and he said it has over 300,000 miles. Still running and everything is functioning. Love this generation of Xterra and Frontier, and also the one that followed it. The one thing Nissan always got right.

[@dwiser3242]

I bought a 2002 Nissan Xterra XE new off the lot in Arizona. Still driving it with 118,000 miles in 2024. Just had to have a new muffler installed. I always had all the fluids change regularly. Kept it parked inside. Still looks like new. I did replace the headliner myself a few years back. Replaced shocks twice myself. All belts replaced twice including timing belt. Hoses replaced. Left side valve cover gasket last year. Was throwing codes last month. Bought a code reader and looked on KZbin and fixed those issues. I was going to give it away but after fixing those problems I am keeping it as a Winter vehicle as I now live in Michigan. Only the frame and rear bumper have rust. Bumper replacement is less than $150.00.

[@555Trout]

My 2003 frontier is an incredible vehicle . Zero problems for 21 years!

[@frankfurther3828]

manual shift?

[@555Trout]

@@frankfurther3828 auto

[@sgroomeart]

I have a 2003 Supercharged Xterra i bought in 2015. It's my favorite vehicle. It has had a lot replaced in the past few years including the transmission, manifolds, all 4 cats and sensors, muffler and tail, alternator, cap and wires and plugs and belt pulleys and belts oh and a new radiator. And the Ac drain is clogged or the evaporator. Needs a motor mount , shocks. But worth every penny. Just flipped it into 4x4 today in the snow which I put on the Wern manual locking hubs. Works great.

[@byfedericojimenez]

Little detail, the step rails are crossed. The one on the drivers side is supposed to go on the passenger’s. Notice it curves out, and it’s supposed to curve into the body. Just swap them ☺️

[@laurat1129]

$800 is amazing for one mostly sorted, good on Grimes. Always liked these Xterras, almost bought one in '02, but it was on the lot of a Saab dealer back in LA. So for the same price I bought a same-year '99 9-3 cv, which I still have to this day. Sorry to hear about the 101 heat, can't complain here in the NE, though we do have storms and tornado watch - again.

[@raywest3834]

I had a 2000 Xterra with over 230,000 miles on the original V-6, it never used a drop of oil between oil changes.

[@kathrineculver696]

A 2004 Xterra SE 3.3 is my daily driver these things are near tanks, mine has 314k miles I bought it at 276k the previous owner had never done any maintenance beyond oil changes I've replaced the radiator, water pump, timing belt, thermostat, thermostat housing, radiator hoses, clutch fan, rear leaf springs, struts, upper and lower control arms along with torsion bars and new rear drums, new front calipers and rotors, MAF, accessory belts, spark plugs and wires,

[@marko6128]

A good wash, vacuuming, headlight restoration, and plastic restoration to bring it back to black (~$50 total) are also a must…would transform the look of the vehicle

[@karibakid]

Rub Margarine on the bumpers will bring the back like new

[@thebigguy8306]

Thank you, Wizard and Mrs. Reminded of a story my father told. Mid-30s, everyone was poor. He'd see a Cord ($$ think Rolls Royce) sitting in a lady's yard on his walk to and from work. He asked about it, broken - did not know what was wrong. He bought it ($100 - think 2 months pay) found the transmission part ($50 - months pay) fixed and had a front wheel drive car for Minnesota winters. Made more money towing cars off railroad tracks

[@CrackerSmith]

I have a 2001 Xterra. Love it, and mechanically it's going strong. But AC and heating no longer works. No way I can afford to fix all that though, so I bear thru the elements and just drive it!

[@richceglinski7543]

Plenty of these in our clientele at our shop over the years. Antifreeze sometimes contaminates the transmission fluid from failed radiator coolers. Also plenty of P0420 and P0430 anytime after 170k

[@elonsus9747]

This generation didn’t suffer from SMOD. But yes the 2nd gen definitely suffer from smod and cat failures. Mine failed 2 times so I gutted the cats. I bypassed the radiator, so no smod. Mine is solid at 206k.

[@bindingcurve]

2000 manual, love mine. Paint is shot, but southern car. 200k miles and going strong.

[@NCrdwlf]

I ran my first gen to 330 gave it to my nephew . Then got a 2nd gen . The key is the manual trans . Mine did 4 years in Alaska with me in the army . It was a great truck and I still miss it .

[@austinmitchell1586]

I've had 3 of these current one is an 05. 181k. Miss the old 2000 I had. Less power but they were easier to work on and didn't have the constant emissions codes the 05 and 06s are plagued with.

[@ejsvirtualgarage]

Something like this in Alabama would have cost $3,000 AT LEAST. I miss when Marketplace was actually reasonable.

[@JGL98]

I feel like the deals are out there you just have to be patient, persistent and know what you’re looking for

[@joshuas830]

​@JGL98 I'm at cali . Everyone is overpricing over here lol " no lowballers " " I knows its worth"

[@ejsvirtualgarage]

@@joshuas830 I feel your pain.

[@ahmadghosheh3104]

I am an Xterra fan and been Xterra groups for years. This is the first generation and they were excellent SUVs. These first gen are in demand actually. The main reason is affordability. Second Gen from 2005-2009 had the SMOD issue with transmission and the 2010-2015 are priced as if they are gold LOL. My guess is the previous owner was told she needed a rear main seal, timing belt, alternator, axle seal, ball joints among the few items mentioned here and the SHOP bill was like $3500-$5500. For a DIY or semi pro person, this is a golden opportunity.

[@notesfromtheforest]

I bought my 04 Xterra in 2020 with 219k for $800. It became my daily driver. The a/c worked in mine too! It's up to almost 260k now, still going strong.

[@sonoviadunkley9911]

The apex seal for the oil pan when it goes bad usually gives the impression it's the rear main seal

[@garyalford9394]

Probably easier to pull the motor and do the timing service than pulling the trans.

[@taylorwarwick1001]

These are great rigs. I picked up a 2010 for next to nothing last month. Previous owner thought it had SMOD due to a shorted TCM but the transmission was clean as could be. New valve body and it drives great

[@TruckzNTrainz]

Working AC is the added bonus. I have a 2018 Frontier. Plan to drive it to at least 200k.

[@NVRAMboi]

GRIMES!!1!! This XTerra beats the heck out of a Dodge Dart. Thanks Wizard.

[@cedricjackson7521]

I wish Nissan still makes vehicles like the Nissan Xterra reliable. For $800 that’s all he have to get fixed. That’s pretty good deal.

[@samiam5557]

The Xterra is no longer in production.

[@88Blazehaze]

Hey thanks wizard. Now I know where to get the wires I need to repair my vehicle electrical issues. Man All this time Just hiding behind the drywall. 😅

[@mjs7100]

I have a 2001 Xterra SE I bought from my sister a few years ago. I was planning to do a minor cosmetic refresh and flip it but I kinda fell in love with the old beast. Might want to look into doing a timing belt,tensioner, and water pump as these are interference engines. Also my powersteering leak was just from the old supply hoses. easy peasy.

[@marvellousm]

This video was perfectly timed! My wife and I were in an accident last week that totalled our car. I've been looking at Xterras for my wife so they can have something solid and rugged looking. It's either this or an FJ Cruiser. I really love how these look, the front end for the first gen are so cool.

[@GrimesGarage]

First gen is the solid choice. They do tend to have rust issues and they are a timing belt.

[@marvellousm]

@@GrimesGarage I think if we get one it'll be a second gen just because that's what I tend to see for sale near me. Thanks!

[@wicky383]

Nice find!! Just picked up an 07 Rav 4. 240k for 3900. Best thing is the oil consumption recall was done at 150k, new pistons and rings. Everything works, body is in excellent condition. Only thing it will need in the future are breaks.

[@bryangilmer671]

I have one of these and got it for 1700 with 180k miles-but it has not had the oil consumption recall. Have been feeding it gallons of oil and now at 197k 2 years later. Feel I’ve already gotten my money’s worth

[@MikeLynchFitness]

Just bought one of these from MY mechanic! 02 4WD Xterra in MINT condition, 117k miles, runs wonderfully with ice cold A/C......I paid $3500 though! I'm loving it so far

[@sidviscous5959]

people who don't live in the South don't really understand what a deal breaker no A/C or inoperative A/C is in most instances.

[@CrossRdNorth]

I just picked up a 2009 G37X for $1500. Broken driveshaft. I picket it up from my friend - stock, clean, maintained by dealer and 230k miles. He had it on offerup and was ghosted by a buyer - so I asked him to sell it to me. This thing is clean and not beat. Buyers are flakes so all you really need to do is show up bc people do weird stuff and just ask if it's available yet never show.

[@zachhickman7768]

Just got done doing my timing belt valve cover gaskets coolant lines vacuum lines and bypassed the coolant hoses that are under the intake plenum. 300,000 miles on my frontier now so I showed it some love also timed my distributor for the first time. Definitely wasn't the "easiest" job. But hey we don't learn anything from doing easy stuff.

[@Brothaman_x]

I bought a 05 Cadillac srx base 106k miles from a guy last month for $600 the car was his mother in laws that sat for a year or 2, I put $625 in it now I have a decent A to B suv. Very grateful in this economy.

[@pops55650]

I love my Xterra, 2005. My son has it now though. I wish they still made them. Mine didn’t seem To have the trans fluid/ antifreeze milkshake, but somewhere before I got it, had a new radiator put in. 170,000 miles. Paid about $8000 for it a few years ago. Since they don’t make them I ended up with a 24 Bronco. Bronco is faster but that 4.0 V6 was pretty peppy.

[@4to20ma6]

I have an 04. Go ahead and get the timing belt/water pump kit. The oil pan loop seals leak. The fix for mine was just going ahead and pull the engine and do a complete reseal. It’s 20 years old man. I threw new pistons and bearings in mine along with a new oil pump. All new belts and hoses. Doing the work myself I got about 1200 bucks in parts. When you are in there, check the gap in your AC compressor electromagnetic. Mine was 35 thousands, I think it calls for 10. The intake manifold (lower) has to be torqued at the same time as the heads. Very important. Also, relocate the knock sensor to the top of the upper intake. You will thank me later. ✌🏻

[@mattybrews]

Thing is, in my neck of the woods a quote for all of the above would probably be 3-4k. Only way a car like this is feasible if you do your own work and have access to the tools and knowledge needed. It's tough 'cuz sometimes it really is a better call to buy a car for 5k and not have a laundry list of problems.

[@DanT271]

Way to go Grimes! You scored on this one! Easy repairs for a mechanic Rear main seal? Automatic oil change as long as you remember to top it up

[@MisterrJmark]

I literally just bought a 2014 Lincoln MKT with 200k on the odometer. 3.5 ecoboost engine. Fully loaded with no rips or tears in the leather cold AC, AWD. Everything works. It has a slight miss under heavy load. So new coils and plugs are coming. But it is totally drivable. And still comfortable. I feel like I got this for a steal. With he minor work that needs to be done. No leaks either! 🎉. Oh I got it for $3300 cash

[@JPLOgunquit]

Had a 2012, best car ever. Drives like a car, powerfull, amazing in snow.

[@RafaelEVOX2]

In Brazil, the XTerra uses a 2.8-liter diesel engine from the manufacturer MWM. The most incredible thing is the market value. While in the USA you can buy it for 8 thousand "money", in Brazil it costs 70 thousand "money"

[@slendsunny8272]

the high miler 3.3/3.5 v6 engines on Xterra are famous for timing chain issues and bad injectors. I had one Xterra have both issues acting up at the same time, really pulled off some hairs with my co-worker, who used to work in nissan dealership.

[@crazyxterralady]

The gen 1 Xterras have timing belts, not chains, so it will be periodically changed anyway.

[@71Ranchero500]

Last May I bought an '07 Chevy Cobalt from a friend of mine for $1100. I'm now at 201k miles and the only thing it needed was tires and an o-ring on the high pressure side of the AC and it's been my daily ever since. 30mpg and I don't care if it gets dents or dings in it. Can't beat it

[@mooreracer]

Why are the sidesteps on the wrong sides? I've got a 2000 Frontier V6 MT with 180K, recently replaced the rubber end seals on the oil pan. Pan itself is "glued on" but uses rubber end seals that get rock hard. Almost certainly the cause of the oil leak on this Xterra too...not the rear main. I'd suggest changing the t-belt if not sure when it was done last.

[@shawnstillman736]

The real question is does the heat work? The heater core is plastic where the hoses connect. It will break eventually. Also change the timing belt.

[@DJSekuHusky]

My 01 Xterra was $550 with a clean title; it's the 2.4L 4-cylinder XE. The quote for the head gasket service was $2,500, and that would only cover a fraction of the services I ended up doing myself for closer to $600. Went from _barely able to idle_ to a great and reliable daily driver for the past few years. Even fixed the leaky AC system myself.

[@Blacksheep99-g5x]

I just got a really nice jeep that had almost every sensor replaced on the engine including the alternator, battery, distributor cap, plugs & wires it had all been replaced when I got the jeep it had a miss at idle and would constantly shift in and out of overdrive while driving & all it needed was the IAT sensor the tps and the O2 sensors replaced now it runs & drives perfectly & absolutely everything works perfectly inside and out along with it having over $800 worth of new parts in the trunk to rebuild the steering/ front end I got it for a steal

[@wayneroach6736]

My buddy has an Xterra that he loved. The radiator failed and allowed coolant into the transmission. Totalled it.

[@donrandle8999]

The one your buddy bought cannot be a first generation. Secondly the transmission radiator/transmission cooler failure cannot total a car. Someone doesn’t know what they are doing, or they don’t know what they are talking about. The first generation Xterra engine and transmission are very durable, two of the best in the business. If you replace the radiator on the the 2005-2012 it will be a long lasting vehicle, well over 300k. I am a mechanic just to say how I know, not that I know everything.

[@StrangelyIronic]

Back in 09/10 when I was a senior in high school, I used to flip RX8's over the weekend. Quite a few cars were actually fine seals wise, it was the crank position sensor that created some of the same symptoms as blown/weak seals. I've rebuilt quite a few 13B engines of all types since before the RX8 released, and the Renesis wasn't that much more to deal with. They're dead simple engines, and actually fairly reliable IF you know how to take care of them. The oiler system in the Renesis engines was turned down so far on top of just flat out failing, resulting in a lot of blown seals around 45-90k miles (90k miles is usually the second engine after the first was warranty swapped). If you know how to treat the engines, they can last (older rotaries with mechanical oilers that dumped more into the dorito chamber didn't have as bad a problem at roasting seals, but as you can image, dumping oil into the combustion chamber isn't great for emissions). I've got two left, one I rebuilt from the ground up for turbo that runs fine 20k miles later (as it should), and a second from back then when I flipped them that has over 200k on the factory Renesis with zero issues. Both I did regular maintenance on, properly watched oil levels (they do burn oil by the nature of the engine, so keep an eye on that), repaired the oiling system in the high mile car to make sure to always have the seals lubricated (dropping throttle at high RPM with the oiler deleted means less lubrication while you're still turning over 7000 RPM... probably wouldn't have lasted over 200k in that situation), and I do treat them both to premix. The biggest downside, if you can take care of them or not, is probably the 16-20 MPG you get. My RX8 I put a turbo 3.0L SHO V6 in (perfect engine/chassis combo IMO, sounds and drives amazing) gets as good or better mileage with more power and reliability, lol. My 99 Trans Am gets a lot better fuel economy highway and has more than enough pep to be the GT car that I treat it as.

[@jimmyjimjims7483]

Every time I see one of these on craigslist it needs a motor, I've always been tempted but I don't wanna put a motor in one of these. I will say these Xterras were FAR better than the later milkshake makers that replaced this gen, I always thought these looked cool

[@bindingcurve]

The ONLY reason they are on Facebook is because they need a motor, no one is selling a good one.😂😂😂

[@Mister...H]

People don’t replace the timing belts and water pumps at every 100,000. They can burn oil as they age. They only hold 3.5 Quarts of oil. Those 2 things can kill the engine

[@elonsus9747]

2011-15’s are the ones to get. Bypass the lines or replace the radiators to permanently fix smod for 05’-10’.

[@bindingcurve]

@@elonsus9747 just add a transmission air cooler if you bypass the radiator (good idea on any older car you want to keep)

[@elonsus9747]

@@bindingcurve Yeah I bypassed mine. An aux cooler is another mod to do as well.

[@rossmontreal4570]

They are truly amazing. Had a 2000 v6 and 2003 v6 supercharged. Truly miss both of them. My 7 and 8 year old miss it as well. Good for you big guy congrats 👍🏽👍🏽💚💚💚🇨🇦

[@tornadofurry]

Distributor, passenger exhaust manifold, cats, knock sensor, air flow sensor, evap leak, front wheel bearings. Replaced all in on my 200k 02 Frontier.

[@elonsus9747]

Picked up a 05’ for $3,600. Bypassed radiator lines, replaced front struts and valve cover gaskets. It’s been really solid. I put 5k miles on it since I’ve owned it. Has 206,000 miles! Runs like a top.

[@golferpro1241]

In America the dollar sign comes first. $3,600

[@elonsus9747]

@@golferpro1241 I’m an American in America. But I fixed it for you. Lol

[@talklacey664]

Used to own a 96 pathfinder LE with the same 3.3 v6 and honestly this was the most reliable vehicle I ever owned. The only thing I had to do was general maintenance fluids breaks shocks O2 sensors etc. The 4x4 was awesome used to drive it back and fourth to work about 70 miles for about 5 years . When I finally sold it everything still worked except the AC and it had 385,000 miles on the odometer.

[@crazyxterralady]

Hell yeah!! I've got a silver 2002 Xterra, too! Manual transmission! Fun as hell

[@montysanders8134]

I have a 2011 Xterra S, it has been a great, reliable car. 130k, recently did a complete brake job and had to replace the ABS Pump. Good car, won't get rid of it ever.

[@peteleoni9665]

Hey Wiz love these interesting and fast movinf mechanical reviews. Could you put markers so some of us could bypass some irrelevant parts of these?

[@baura96]

I'm in Wichita also, I just had my 04 xterra in the shop to get the timing belt and water pump done. These 3.3 are bulletproof

[@Z33Garage]

I got my 03 RWD Xterra for 200 bucks with 250k had been sitting for 5 years and had moss growing on the outside 😂 I fixed everything in a span of 6 months buying stuff on eBay and Rick auto discounts. Power steering Timing belt, water pump New AC system. O2 sensor New tires. Lifted it, all ball joints replaced, shocks, front end steering was changed. New brakes Mine also has the same rear main seal leak, so that's probably going to stay like that 😂 I just keep oil in the truck. So far the trucks been great for bringing the kayak fishing, and bringing deer in the back during hunting season.

[@badnewsbeaver]

I bought a similar Xterra a couple year ago for $600 with a bad starter, put about $1200 into it over the time i had it and sold for $1000. Getting hard to find parts, put a whole new front suspension on it and my tie rods were toast in about a year. None of the swaybar bushings lasted a month before it was loose. It was a bad daily driver but the engine never blew up and had 212k miles on it. If there was a better aftermarket they make good trail trucks

[@WhittyPics]

When you can do your own repairs, you can gamble on these things. A distributor. I haven't seen one of those in a while. I used to rebuild alternators back in the late 70s. It probably has some bad bearings. Scotty would say to put some AT 205 reseal in it.

[@DANNYN224]

That’s a very good deal mileage means nothing if you do the maintenance on time rear main seal put heavier oil pennzoil high mileage oil works I have 98 Camry with leaking rear main seal now it’s stopped leaking I use pennzoil high mileage or AT205 reseal to rejuvenate the seal or gasket

[@komradkolonel]

I may only be a driveway mechanic like most of us but even I know that when you have a vehicle with this mileage on it and the rear main seal is leaking just put a bottle of AT 205 in the crankcase, just keep checking the oil level and add oil when you need to. Taking off that transmission to replace a $25 rubber O ring will only cause more problems than it solves.

[@mentals555]

I finally scored on a 2008 Acura MDX. 180k, cold AC, needed a detail. Did the timing belt and transmission service last weekend. Paid $1,000.

[@DJ-nn6vg]

Look at the repairs as transportation value vs. car value. Cost to buy and fix vs. months/years of transportation. Determine the months to break even and make the decisions. Great ride for a first time driver.

[@MikeKalasnik]

Videos with Mrs Wizard in them are always better! If you know what you are looking at/for, you can get a great deal! But some people who try and flip cars do this but DON'T know what their doing so its a toss up.

[@elonsus9747]

A lot of people confuse the 1st gen’s for the 2 gen’s. The 2nd gen’s have quite a few issues if you don’t know about them, but most can be fixed if caught in time. Smod, cats, seals front and rear, front diffs and rear diffs like to blow, timing chain tensioners, various sensors. 05’-10’ being the most common year for problems. 11’-15’s won’t have smod or tensioners problems. But still have diffs, cats, and sensor issues as they age.

[@stonepa]

What a great deal! Minor repairs other than the rear main seal and an occasional oil top up will take care of it- perfect car.

[@Jimmyky77]

Great Find Grimes 👍🏻 Give it a fresh Oil change and add a bottle of ATP -205 into the crankcase for that rear main seal leak.

[@Jack-it6qt]

I bought a 2006 Honda CRV 2.2 diesel 6 speed manual 130.000 miles one year ago for £995. It was stuck in limp mode. Cost £12 to fix. Glow plug heater relay. Air con is ice cold.

[@SauceLeafy]

Great deal. I had a 03 until it got rear ended. Just make sure to do the timing belt and waterpump as it is a interference engine.

[@carDUDE002]

I’ve a 96 pathfinder 265k, same engine, had it since 2016, replaced alternator, timing belt,water pump, just needa do all front end stuff and oil change and shell b good at least another 100k

[@jamespn]

Most mechanics don’t buy new cars, nor do they buy tool boxes that cost as much as a new car.

[@iamgermane]

That Xterra will need a new timing belt. Unless you are a mechanic, that is a $1400 fix!

[@manuelportela6274]

Paramount to first check the engine oil and the transmission oil looks. Xterra 3.3 engines are famous for mixing transmission fluid with coolant due to a faulty transmission oil cooler.

[@ragnarocking]

those Xterras can make good off-roaders with a couple modifications.

[@admranger]

The leaking rear main is really a continuous rust proofing application device. Great commuter/winter beater for sure.

[@kerrylewis2581]

Excellent buy. I've had great luck in the past with AT 205 to help slow a rear main seal.

[@blackshirt5530]

Man I wish the Wizard was close to DFW- I have a 07 Nissan pathfinder 4x4 that the check engine light comes on sporadically …..

[@aliendroneservices6621]

You can buy the same tools he uses and perform the exact same diagnostics he does. Follow the links in the description and get a scan tool.

[@LMacNeill]

BIG score!!! $800 for a clean title *anything* that runs and drives is a deal these days, even if you have to drop a few hundred on parts. Especially if you have the skill to do the work yourself -- we all know Grimes has plenty of that. Well done!

[@84gssteve]

Got my 99 QX4 with almost 300K miles many years ago. Same engine, similar overall condition and price. Did a complete reseal on the engine just for age's sake but its an absolutely reliable vehicle. Common issues are the knock sensor, which is buried deep and initiated my total re-seal project and especially the optical distributor which is easy and not too expensive....just don't use aftermarket units, OEM Nissan only.

[@AdamVest]

What on earth is an optical distributor?

[@CurtisL8.3066]

These first gens are good, reliable trucks, they are basically a first gen frontier underneath the bodies. At this age , power steering horse or steering gearbox leak, rear mains weep or leak like this one, and is probably on its third distributor. Current preferred method to remove spark plug #6 is removal of the hood and making a special tool to fish it out, either that or remove the intake off of the engine. Timing belt is involved but not impossible… all and all they have plenty of character and can go off road pretty decent too

[@kuebby]

14:59 you say only 100,000 miles left like it's a bad thing! Back in the 80s odometers rolled over at 99,999 because they barely expected cars to make it to 100k from NEW!

[@BadaBing.UCF30]

part of nissan's triple safety philosophy

[@joshgladstone7119]

Is that before or after Tony smashes the windshield?

[@IDONTHAVEPERMISSION]

The catalytic converters and the dry vegetation.

[@heikkiremes5661]

Old car to me = pre-1990 Wizard on a 2002 Nissan: "Old cars like these." Me, turning into Private Ryan at the end of the movie.

[@jesusmercado6947]

I recently purchased 08 Chrysler town and country 3.8L for the same price running and driving all it needs suspension work and engine gaskets.

[@fraxonthefurry21]

I worked at a Nissan plant in tennessee and there was a 2003 xterra in orange that was a plant car, taken off assembly and never registered, never left plant grounds, never even had paperwork. And it had 3000 miles.

[@mentals555]

Sounds like a good candidate for a burned car's VIN plate

[@rebelusa6585]

Too hot in kansas, try a evaporative cooler, it is not as cold as ac, but it is alot cooler than a normal fan. 101 degree in early july, wait until august, you wish you are in Alaska.

[@michaelcroos4713]

AT-205 WILL work great in the engine to condition the rear seal. It's a polymer, NOT a swelling agent, like StopLeak. Been using AT-205 in car engines and trans with great success.

[@Vacationtime247]

Excellent purchase! That's a 'double your money' vehicle right there. Keep costs below $1200 and sell for $2400 as a runner with A/C quick. VT247

[@Dave-ei7kk]

My neighbor had one of these donated to him. It had never had a timing belt change and it’s an interference engine. Leak down test confirmed bent intake valves. Pulled the engine and replaced it with a used one for $350. His high school son drove it for a year and a half and he then sold it to someone in Africa who actually had it transported there.